Drivers Need to Pay Attention to Auto Insurance Changes

TORONTO, May 31, 2016 /CNW/ - Upcoming changes to auto insurance mean Ontario drivers will need to take more interest in their insurance policy this year.

A recent survey conducted by EKOS Research Associates for the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) shows that when it came time to renew their auto insurance, 52 per cent of Ontarians simply paid or took no action, making their policy renewal automatic. An additional 16 per cent couldn't remember if they had taken any action at their previous renewal.

New auto insurance reforms take effect June 1, 2016, which will help make premiums more affordable and give consumers more choice. Key reforms include changes to some standard coverage levels, as well as new options for increased coverage.

Ontario drivers need to make important decisions about their auto insurance to make sure it will meet their needs in case of an accident. Before renewing their policy, FSCO encourages drivers to:

Call their insurance representative to discuss options and ask questions

Always shop around to get the best price and the policy that meets their needs.

Quick Facts

Auto insurance policies renewed on or after June 1 will automatically have the new lower standard benefits unless drivers ask to increase their benefits.

There are almost ten million drivers in Ontario.

Ontarians will still be protected by the most generous accident benefits coverage among provinces with comparable systems.

The online survey was conducted by EKOS Research Associates in April 2016. It was completed by 1,159 Ontarians who have a current auto insurance policy. The margin of error is +/- 2.9 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

"Ontario drivers need to know if the changes to auto insurance reduce something that is important to them. Understanding their coverage and the options is crucial to ensuring they are protected in the event of an accident."

- Brian Mills, CEO and Superintendent, FSCO

About EKOS Research Associates

EKOS Research Associates (EKOS) is a full-service consulting practice, specializing in market research, public opinion research, strategic communications advice, program evaluation and performance measurement, and human resources and organizational research. This study was conducted using EKOS' unique, hybrid online/telephone research panel, Probit.

About FSCO

FSCO's legislative mandate is to provide regulatory services that protect the public interest and enhance public confidence in the sectors it regulates. FSCO regulates the insurance sector; pension plans; loan and trust companies; credit unions and caisses populaires; the mortgage brokering sector; co-operative corporations in Ontario; and service providers who invoice auto insurers for statutory accident benefits claims. FSCO is accountable to the Minister of Finance.